Middleditch gives Rosco some words of advice

FORMER Great Britain boss Neil Middleditch has offered Alun Rossiter the benefit of his experience ahead of today’s World Cup Event One at King’s Lynn.

Rossiter took over from Poole boss Middleditch in the winter, and leads his side into action at the Norfolk Arena against Australia, USA and Italy.

Middleditch experienced his fair share of criticism during his reign as national boss, and expects Rossiter to expect the same, but insisted his close friend needs to do his best not to take things to heart.

“Don’t take the criticism to heart, that’s the main thing,” Middleditch said.

“Rosco’s been around long enough and is a good enough team manager to know you don’t need to do that.

“Sometimes his emotions get the better of him because he’s so passionate, but he’s a good motivator and a good manager and will get the best out of the boys.

“It’s a tough task and he will be aware of that and under no illusions, as I was, but he will give it 100 per cent and you can’t ask anymore.”

Middleditch knows Great Britain face a battle to make an impact on the competition and believes a place on the rostrum would represent a real achievement.

“It’s a great morale boaster to be able to call on the number one rider in the world (Tai Woffinden) but it is a little bit of an uphill struggle at times and it’s hard,” he said.

“You have the Aussies first and then the Poles in their own back yard who are very difficult to beat but it’s a competition which throws up surprises.